The XK140 was an updated version of Jaguar’s seminal XK120, which is one of the most iconic and significant sports cars ever made. When the XK120 bowed in 1948, it created a sensation because it represented such a stark departure from the austerity of World War II. In those years, the economically battered United Kingdom staggered back into the global industrial market by hurriedly rushing warmed over prewar cars into production. In fact, all car manufacturers did this to meet the tremendous postwar demand for cars.
Surrounded by what were essentially 1930s designs, the entirely new and thoroughly modern XK120 was an earth-shattering car, a truly contemporary and avant-garde car to boost the morale of Britons and demonstrate to the world the resiliency of the United Kingdom. The XK120 appeared at the Earls Court Motor Show, initially as a concept car to showcase Jaguar`s remarkable new dual overhead cam inline-6 cylinder engine. It was never intended to go into full scale production, but its breathtaking styling, sophisticated mechanical underpinnings, and its genuine 120 mph performance captured the imagination of the public. The largely hand-built aluminum-bodied car was rushed into limited production at a surprisingly affordable price and Jaguar was selling as many as they could make. Realizing that they needed to produce the cars in genuine volume, Jaguar reengineered the car to switch to mass production with steel bodies and thus cemented the XK120 as the start of one of the most important sports car dynasties of the 20th century.
The XK140 was introduced in late 1954 and advanced the appeal of the XK120 with numerous technical and functional updates, including rack and pinion steering, telescopic dampers, and a more spacious interior. Also available was the SE (Special Equipment) package, which was known in the US as the MC. These car gained the C-Type cylinder head, 2” HD8 SU carburetors instead of the standard 1.75” HD6s, twin exhaust, stiffer suspension, and standard wire wheels.
This particular XK140 MC Roadster was dispatched on the 16th January 1956 and supplied new by Charles Hornburg’s distributorship in Los Angeles. It has more than 50 years of known history, and remained with the same Florida owner from 1972 to 1990. It was then purchased by an owner in Oregon, where it remained until 2022, including with an enthusiastic long term owner who purchased the car in 1995.
The car was resprayed in British Racing Green shortly thereafter, and retrimmed with tan upholstery sourced from the well-known specialist Bartlett. The chrome was also refinished or replaced, and new wheels purchased. Significant mechanical work was performed during this period as well, including a new wiring harness, new exhaust system, restored radiator, and an overdrive transmission was also sourced and installed. In 2001, the engine was overhauled, and in 2007, the carburetors and fuel system were renewed as well, including restoration of the fuel tank. A new gear reduction starter was also installed at this time. The car has been used sparingly since but received rebuild brake hydraulics in 2022, including new master cylinder and wheel cylinders.
At some point, likely during the 1980s or 90s, the car’s engine was replaced. Included with the car is a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate and extensive documentation dating back to the mid 1990s, including a thick file of service invoices. The car has full weather equipment including soft top, side curtains, and tonneau cover.
